There are number of abnormalities associated with bones and joints. Some are caused due to injuries and some are attributable to harmful reactions of bacteria, viruses etc. Swelling and stiffness of joints accompanied with joint inflammation are the main features of arthritis. Generally, almost all types of arthritis are chronic in nature owing to prolonged arthritis condition. Arthritis can affect almost all parts of the body. The pain and swelling produced by certain types of arthritis is temporary in nature. Some forms of arthritis may surface conditions like warmth, redness and swelling of joints. Though the some symptoms produced by certain forms of arthritis are less serious in nature, these can lead to gradual damage of joints.
Usually, arthritis is classified in following categories.
Osteoarthritis: It is considered as one of the most common health condition in older people. Wearing away and ragging of cartilage is the main cause behind occurrence of this type of osteoarthritis. Stiffness of joints and mild pain are main symptoms of osteoarthritis.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis is autoimmune in nature. This form of arthritis is result of body immune system on the joint lining as if the body immune system is combating and injury of a disease. Besides affecting joints, this form of arthritis may attack other body parts like heart, muscles, nervous system, blood vessels and eyes.
Gout: Gout is the most painful form of arthritis. Accumulation of uric acid is considered as main cause behind occurrence of this type of arthritis. Besides affecting various joints, gout can lead to swollen skin.
Apart from the above, Ankylosing spondylysis, Reactive arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and temporomandibular joint arthritis are some uncommon forms of arthritis.
Symptoms of arthritis include stiffness, swelling and prolonged pain of joints, feeling of tenderness or pain (after touching), warmth and redness of joints and abnormality in joint movements.
Generally, medications and steroid injections are used for treating arthritis. In certain severe cases, surgery may be recommended. The main aim of arthritis treatment is to reduce the pain and inflammation. Combination of NSAIDs (Non-Steroid Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) and DMARDs (Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs) are used commonly.
